An ISO file is an archive file containing a disc image of an optical disk. ISO files are commonly used to back up data and store entire copies of CDs, DVDs, and even Blu-ray discs. To open, mount, and use an ISO file on your Windows computer, you can follow the steps listed below.
Step 1: Download and install a virtual drive
The first step to mounting an ISO file is to download and install a virtual drive. A virtual drive is an application that allows you to “mount” an ISO file and make it available for use on your system as if it were a physical DVD or CD.
The most popular virtual drive applications available for Windows are Daemon Tools, Alcohol 120%, and PowerISO. All three of these applications are free to download and easy to use.
Step 2: Launch the virtual drive
Once you’ve downloaded and installed a virtual drive, you can then launch it to begin working with your ISO file. Depending on which virtual drive you’ve chosen, the steps will vary slightly.
For example, with Daemon Tools, you would simply double-click the program icon on your desktop. With Alcohol 120%, you would launch the program from the Start menu. And with PowerISO, you would simply launch the program from the Start menu or desktop.
Step 3: Mount your ISO file
Once your virtual drive has been launched, you can then start to work with your ISO file. With most virtual drive applications, you can simply drag and drop the ISO file into the window.
Alternatively, depending on the program you’re using, you may need to click the File menu and select Open to locate your ISO file and then click Open to mount it.
Once your ISO file has been mounted, you can then begin to use it as if it were a physical disc. You can access the contents of the disc just as you would a regular disc, you can copy files from the disc, and you can even run applications directly from the ISO file if it’s a software installation disc.
Step 4: Unmount the ISO file
When you’re finished working with your ISO file, you should unmount it to prevent any issues with other programs or processes being able to access the contents of the ISO file. Most virtual drive applications have a simple “Unmount” button that you can press to unmount the ISO file.
If you’re using Daemon Tools, for example, you would select the CD/DVD drive containing the mounted ISO file, and then click the Unmount button. Alternatively, you could go to the File menu and select Unmount ISO to unmount the ISO file.
And that’s all there is to it! By following the steps outlined above, you should now be able to mount and use ISO files on your Windows computer with ease.